Friday, December 17, 2010

The Homestead Offers Free Ski Passes to Veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan

In an effort to thank and honor those who serve or have served in active military duty in Iraq and Afghanistan for the sacrifices they make to keep our nation safe, The Homestead provides complimentary downhill skiing and snowboarding for the 2010-2011 winter season.

“The men and women who are deployed overseas put themselves in harms way and make huge sacrifices for the security of our nation. They deserve honor, respect and thanks for what they do for us,” said Bob Kuras, owner of The Homestead. “We hope to lead the way in thanking our men and women in uniform by giving them outdoor winter fun this season.”

The Homestead is not located near a military base but many people travel to the region to see Sleeping Bear Dunes and to take advantage of the winter activities and snow sports. The Homestead is Northern Michigan’s largest waterfront resort community, located in the heart of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore – a unit of the National Park Service. Along with its unmatched natural setting and miles of frontage on Lake Michigan and the Crystal River, the resort offers 13 downhill ski runs and 7.5 miles of cross-country and snowshoeing trails adjacent to the property. Bay Mountain has a 375 foot vertical drop with stunning views of Lake Michigan and the Manitou Islands making it one of the most scenic ski hills in Michigan.

Military personnel who are on active duty or have served in Iraq and Afghanistan are eligible for free lift tickets when they present their activity military photo identification to cashiers at the ticket office. Free tickets are limited to one ticket or pass per person, per day. The Homestead also offers special military rates on lodging for those who choose to stay the night or enjoy a weekend getaway.

“We also do not have black out dates for those in active military service,” says Kuras. “Our free lift tickets can be used during peak season and during the holidays. The winter season is short in Northern Michigan and we want our military to take full advantage of what we offer.”

The Homestead – America’s Freshwater Resort, is located in Glen Arbor, Michigan. The resort offers snow sports including downhill skiing and snowboarding, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and ice skating as well as lodging, shops, restaurants, meeting centers, wedding facilities and a luxurious spa. In the summer the resort offers guest pools, tennis, golf and a sandy beach on Lake Michigan.